Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Sail past Cathedral Cove on a wind-powered catamaran, then anchor to snorkel
You board a modern catamaran at Whitianga beach and sail Mercury Bay's coastline under wind power, passing Cathedral Cove's iconic stone archway without leaving the boat. At Gemstone Bay, you anchor in a marine reserve and can snorkel among protected fish life or relax on deck. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, a local beer or wine, and fresh fruit, with toilets and changing areas on board. The whole afternoon takes 3.5 hours.
Step-by-step itinerary
Afternoon sailing and marine reserve visit
- Check in by 1:30pm
- Depart beach at 1:45pm
- Sail along coastline to Cathedral Cove
- View Cathedral Cove from yacht
- Sail past Mercury Bay scenery
- Anchor at Gemstone Bay
- Swim or snorkel in marine reserve
- Relax onboard with local drink and fruit
- Return to beach by 5:15pm
- Cathedral Cove 10m
- Mercury Bay passing by
What’s included
Your afternoon includes use of snorkeling equipment, a complementary chilled local beer or New Zealand wine with fresh fruit, access to onboard toilets and changing areas, and the catamaran sail itself through Mercury Bay and past Cathedral Cove.
Times
- Every day 13:45
Before you book
Operated by Boom Sailing
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves Whitianga beach at 1:45pm, and you're on it. Check in by 1:30pm, settle onto one of the beanbags strung across the catamaran's deck, and watch the Coromandel coastline start to move. The crew handles the sails. You can help if you want, or just sit there while the wind does the work. No engines, no fuel smell, just the sound of water and the boat tilting slightly as it catches the breeze.
Cathedral Cove comes up first, maybe forty minutes in. The boat doesn't land there. You stay aboard and get close enough to see the stone archway properly, the way it frames the beach behind it. It's the kind of thing that looks smaller in photos than it does when you're actually floating in front of it. After that, the catamaran swings toward Gemstone Bay, where the anchor goes down and the water turns clear enough that you can see the seafloor. The marine reserve is protected: no fishing, which means the fish aren't shy. Snorkeling gear is on board, and the crew will tell you what's down there before you jump in. If you'd rather not get wet, nobody minds. The beanbags are still there.
A chilled local beer or New Zealand wine comes out while you're anchored, along with fresh fruit. The boat has toilets and changing areas, so you're not dripping salt water across the deck for the ride back. The whole thing wraps up at 5:15pm. In April, the timing shifts earlier (departure at 11:00am, return at 2:30pm), so check which season you're booking into.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Cathedral Cove and snorkel in a marine reserve without arranging a separate boat or driving yourself: the fixed departure time and included gear mean you just show up and the afternoon is already planned.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 13 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What time does the afternoon sail depart from Whitianga?
1:45pm, with final check-in at 1:30pm. In April, the departure shifts to 11:00am and returns at 2:30pm.
Do you go ashore at Cathedral Cove?
No. The catamaran sails close to the archway so you can see it from the boat, but doesn't land.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided. Snorkeling at Gemstone Bay is optional. You can stay on board if you prefer.
What's included in the trip?
Snorkeling equipment, a complementary local beer or New Zealand wine, fresh fruit, and use of onboard toilets and changing areas.
Is the boat powered by engines?
No. The catamaran uses wind power, which reduces environmental impact.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on board.
Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
3h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 165 per person
≈ US$ 95 in your currency
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